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It was a strange sight not to see the Liam MacCarthy Cup being hoisted aloft on the stage while standing in the Market Yard on Monday evening among the masses of proud Kilkenny hurling fans waiting to welcome home our gallant heroes. Unfortunately Sunday’s game didn't pan out the way we would have hoped, and for that we must ‘tip’ our hats to the Premier men for a job well done.

Last Sunday Tipp took to the game like a team possessed. They hurled out of their skin in front of a crowd of 81,765. Kilkenny on the otherhand looked a little tired and with the recent bad luck with injuries it was always going to be an uphill battle.

Twelve months ago Kilkenny entered Croke Park knowing a victory over arch rivals Tipperary would see them lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup for a record equalling fourth time in a row. After a pulsating battle they emerged victors a feat that put them beside the great Cork team of the ‘40s.

When it comes to hurling clashes, there’s nothing that can quite beat the Kilkenny—Tipp rivalry and for current Tipp captain Eoin Kelly, a win over the Cats would prove extra special this Sunday with four of his former St Kieran’s College colleagues key members of Cody’s squad.

Tipperary's emphatic semi-final victory over Waterford last Sunday guarantees us another mouth-watering All-Ireland final. Hurling fans worldwide will be looking forward to September 5 for Kilkenny v Tipp Part II. During the noughties it was Kilkenny and Cork who went head to head on a couple of occasions. The Cats are still going strong but the Rebels have passed the baton onto the Premier county. This is the first back to back final between these two counties. When you talk of sporting rivalries they simply don't come any greater than Kilkenny and Tipp. The colour, excitement and raw emotion of last year’s decider is a testament to this.

Last Sunday’s classic quarter final clash between Tipperary and Galway enhanced the notion that the real hurling doesn't swing into action until all the back doors have been closed. This is the game we have been waiting for to finally ignite the year.

Waterford may have started as only third favourites for this year's Munster championship but when the lights were finally turned off in Semple Stadium last Saturday evening nobody could argue that the Deise weren't worthy winners of the Munster cup.

The Galway senior hurlers will have it all to do next Sunday at 4pm in Croke Park when they take on Tipperary in the All-Ireland quarter-final.

Humble pie was what I had to eat for supper Sunday evening after Cork's landslide victory over Tipperary. Yes I'll hold my hands up, I for one didn't see this coming and judging by Tipperary's performance they didn't see it coming either.

The battle for the Liam McCarthy gets under way this weekend when neighbours Laois and Carlow meet at O'Moore Park. The GAA's lack of imagination when launching both the football and hurling championships this year was once again very disappointing.